Today was not a good day for the Mistress nor for the hundreds of thousands of Labrador owners across the UK. Well, not a good day for any animal lover, to be honest.
Both The Sun and The Mirror carried a news story, which was so distressing that it's difficult to report here.
In short, Mr Richard Kilcommons got blind drunk in his local pub and went home to stab his beautiful chocolate Labrador to death. Not once, not twice but his loyal pet, Bessie, of seven years was stabbed 16 times with a 7-inch carving knife. Yes, 16 times.
And what explanation did he offer? His failed business, alcohol issues and - conveniently - he blacked out so can't remember any of it happening.
He was sentenced to 23 weeks' imprisonment and banned from owning a dog for 10 years. 10 years? Is that all? Sorry but as any sane person will tell you, he should never be allowed near a dog again.
Apparently, he argued that "there was no more loved dog". Well, quite frankly, with love like that, a dog can go without.
It was a hideous crime; research has proved, without doubt, that when people get stressed, it's their loved ones who get it in the neck. Sometimes literally. Children, pets and partners often bear the brunt for someone else's shortcomings, aided by booze and drugs.
Enough already. We deserve better. I sincerely hope Mr Kilcommons never has another dog because his actions really were the ultimate betrayal.
Woof Woof